Wilbur-Ellis opens branch in Pewamo

Farmers in the Pewamo area now have a convenient way to take care of their needs, thanks to a new branch of Wilbur-Ellis Company opening in the village.

"The geography made sense based on our other state locations," said Wilbur-Ellis West Central Michigan Territory Manager Case DeYoung about the reason Pewamo was chosen for the site.

Wilbur-Ellis Company is a business founded in 1921 that markets and distributes seed and nutritional products, chemicals and ingredients, soil testing, plant protection and animal feed. He said the company has always had a presence in the Ionia County area, which is rich in agriculture.

"(Farmers and other customers) are going to have a local ag supplier right in their neighborhood," DeYoung said.

The branch is serving as a full-service facility, offering fertilizer, seeds and spraying, and serves customers in a 25-mile circumference area by providing equipment and expertise, DeYoung added.

Pewamo Village President Randy Zenk said he is happy to welcome Wilbur-Ellis.

"We're real excited to have any business come into Pewamo," said Zenk. "This is a great opportunity for the village to grow and bring in jobs."

He said he hopes more people will be drawn to the village and is hopeful the company will provide a reason for more to move to the area and take advantage of its schools and its safe, friendly environment. Zenk added he and other village members are working with a few organizations to possibly secure state funding to increase opportunity for Pewamo and Wilbur-Ellis.

DeYoung said he is thankful to the citizens of Pewamo for the warm welcome and he is looking forward to working with the farmers in the area.

A resident of Saranac, DeYoung added he is happy to help an area within the same general location.

"I'm pretty pleased to bring a business into Ionia County," DeYoung said.